Free things to do this week ft. Cravings Late + Common + PLY exhibitions

Cravings Late at MOSI
As part of the Manchester Science Festival, the Museum of Science and Industry presents this late-evening gastronomic delight. Curious foodies are treated to a presentation from Stefan Gates of BBC’s Gastronauts, who’ll be talking edible insects and demonstrating marshmallow bazookas. You’ll have to keep a strong stomach as another BBC presenter – Michael Mosley of Trust Me I’m a Doctor – will be talking revellers through the guts. These are just two of the highlights from a packed programme, but there’ll be all other kinds of foodie fun including the spectacle of a toast-building competition and a chili eating competition. You’ll have to prebook if you want to attend this, so it pays to get in early. See our full preview for more details of what’s in store.
Wed 28 Oct, Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FP. Tel: 0161 832 2244, 7pm – 11pm, www.eventbrite.co.uk

A Woman and a Rodent Exhibition Opening at Common (pictured)
Art duo A Woman and a Rodent – known to their mums as Faye Coral Johnson and Mike Redmond – open their new exhibition Frog’s Shadow Reaches the Rock Before the Frog at the Edge Street café bar this week. The pair produce drawings, prints, sculpture and zines, and flaunt a fun, childish style. For this new exhibition, their work won’t just be covering the walls, but also the the tabletops: If anything were to make you use a beermat, I’d imagine not wanting to spill beer on artwork would be it. The opening night features a performance from local supergroup Jessop & Williamson – comprised of members of Sex Hands, Former Bullies and Irma Vep – who will be performing in costumes designed by the artists. Make sure you drop by early to take advantage of free beer courtesy of Northern Monk brewery.
Thu 29 Oct, Common, 39 Edge Street, Manchester, M4 1HW. Tel: 0161 832 9245, 6pm – late, www.aplacecalledcommon.co.uk

Pizza Box Collection Launch at PLY
Another exhibition launch, this time at pizza parlour PLY. Scott Wiener and Steph Mantiswill are New Yorkers and hardcore pizza enthusiasts. They have amassed the world’s largest collection of pizza boxes, which currently stand at over 1,000. They’re bringing along a slice of their collection: 80 of the most diverse receptacles from their pizza pantheon. Launch attendees will also get the chance to design their own pizza boxes, and drinks provided by Absolut ensure that you’ll be kept warm well into this autumn eve.
Thu 29 Oct, PLY, 26 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1DW. Tel: 0161 711 0401, 6pm – 12am, www.plymcr.co.uk